The best destination restaurant near Indian River is White Buffalo Bar & Grille, just 25-minutes north on I-75. If you want something different than the many casual local pubs and diners near home, take a short drive to Northern Michigan’s premium restaurant at the Tip of the Mitt.
Before you settle on your usual local spot, heading just a few miles north up the interstate treats you to these exclusive highlights:
- Premium Local Bison Entrees: Indulge in our hand-crafted bison pasties, savory empanadas, and thick smash burgers sourced from a ranch just minutes from our kitchen.
- Distinctive Chef-Created Specialties: Enjoy expertly prepared dishes like our savory chorizo tomato cream salmon or a rich shrimp creole pasta tossed with local bison sausage.
- Options to Enjoy a Drink: Savor your favorite beer, wine, or cocktail at our upscale rooftop bar or cozy ground-floor bar.
- Up North Atmosphere: Relax inside our rustic yet high-end log lodge featuring massive timber accents and warm ambient lighting.
Don’t play the “dinner game” all night until it’s too late to get anything except fast food. Take the drive to White Buffalo Bar & Grille to enjoy a dinner experience you can’t find anywhere else.
Before you head north up I-75, be sure to make a reservation and get seated right away after you arrive!
Experience Northern Michigan’s Dynamic Restaurant
What can I expect during my first visit to White Buffalo Bar & Grille?
To catch those White Buffalo vibes, you could start with our locally sourced shareable plates and hand-crafted cocktails. These treats make for an amazing evening and a great way to wind down after a long day of boating on the Inland Waterway or exploring the woods.
If you are heading up for a relaxed evening, you can always build your experience around these menu highlights:
Locally Sourced Smoked Whitefish Pâté
Try starting your meal with our fresh smoked whitefish, served creamy, with toasted parmesan pita points. It’s our gourmet take on a classic Northern Michigan starter to share with the table.
The Three Sisters Elote Dip
Everyone will love sharing this comforting blend of roasted sweet corn, butternut squash, cannellini beans, and rich cotija cheese. We serve our tasty dip with crispy tortilla chips that complement these traditional regional ingredients.
Signature White Buffalo Cocktail
Sipping our exclusive house creation made with Disaronno White, smooth vanilla vodka, and a splash of cream. It’s the perfect sweet, velvety drink to enjoy while watching the breeze roll off the Straits.
Decadent, Scratch-Made Desserts
Treat yourself to our rotating in-house-baked cheesecakes, rich peanut butter pie, or a warm, homemade brownie sundae. It’s the perfect end to an amazing dinner experience.
The Perfect Destination After Boating on Burt Lake
Why is White Buffalo Bar & Grille the best restaurant to cap off a day on the water?
Cap off an afternoon on the water by enjoying an easy transition to our upscale, relaxing dinner at the Straits of Mackinac. Rather than settling for standard fast food, a quick 25-minute drive north provides premium, hearty meals, refreshing drinks, and cool Great Lakes breezes.
Whether you’ve been cruising the shoreline, kayaking, or lounging on the sandbar, we’re the ideal final stop for the perfect weekend:
- Refuel After a Long Day of Boating: Swap your life jacket for a comfortable table in our rustic lodge and satisfy your appetite with a hearty, premium meal.
- The Ultimate Up North Excursion: Cap off your outdoor tour of Cheboygan County’s famous lakes by heading to dinner at the Tip of the Mitt.
- A Relaxing Date Night Escape: Try slipping away from busy public docks and crowded campgrounds for a quiet, high-end dining experience. Enjoy our craft cocktails and exceptional service.
- Group and Family Gatherings: We recommend getting your boat crew or lake house guests around our large timber tables. Share stories of your day’s adventures over plates of our delicious food.
Make White Buffalo Bar & Grille Your Next Dinner Destination
You don’t have to head home after a perfect afternoon just to settle for pizza or a pub burger. White Buffalo Bar & Grille is the perfect ending for a day spent on the lakes in Indian River.
Hop on the interstate, head north for 25 minutes, and let our team reward your hunger with an incredible meal. Be sure to make a reservation before you leave!
